Aug 20th 2011 - Welsh Kennel Club

Judge:Mr Simon Jackson

Entries: 105 for 104

Show Critique:

I was honoured to be asked to judge this show, as I have enjoyed exhibiting at this well run, friendly society over many years. While the indoor rings are large, well lit and have lots of space around them for exhibitors and spectators, given the nice weather, it was disappointing not to be able to use the normal show arena, but this was not possible due to a request from The Royal Welsh Showground management.
I was pleased for find only one “bad” mouth, but I was disturbed to find a small number of mouths which, while exhibiting a “correct scissor bite”, the placement of the upper teeth was awry in such a manner, that it caused the exhibits to appear to have an over bite. A few others had strange face furnishings resulting in a “Griffon Bruxellois” like expression which is incorrect and spoils the looks of a Border Terrier.
I would also like to thank my stewards, Vicky and Tina Pierson for their smooth handling of the ring. I would also like to thank all exhibitors, some of whom travelled many miles which is very expensive in these economic times.

Puppy - Dog

11 month old grizzle who is quite simply spot on in all departments. Good otter head with intelligent expression. He has a good reach of neck flowing into correctly angulated shoulders, well carried ribs and strong loin which, with powerful quarters means he moves with ease. Close hard coat on a loose pelt. He shows maturity beyond his tender age. I was delighted to award him his first CC, Best of Breed and Best Puppy.

9 month old red with excellent head and proportions which I would expect from this noted kennel. Very good sound movement. Probably unlucky to be in same class as Dr Walter. Will watch both with much interest.

Limit - Dog

Very dark grizzle with an excellent head, good neck leading into well laid shoulders, good in rib and strong of loin. Nice quarters all leading to ground covering movement. In challenge was in serious consideration for top honours.

Once again very similar to the Reserve CC and CC winners in construction. Unfortunately on the day a little lacking in coat and on the move did not seem to like the concrete flooring I gave him multiple opportunities to settle but he just seemed to be having an off day. A shame.

Puppy - Bitch

Very nice grizzle bitch with pretty otter head. Elegant neck and good ribs and strong loin leading to good, correct movement. Rather unlucky to meet Dog CC winner for Best Puppy but will have her day. Best Puppy Bitch

Not wishing to play her down, but this lady is very much of the “old school” type Border Terrier. A rich red coat so rarely seen now. Very nice otter head expression. Well laid ribs and strong loin and quarters which allowed her to move well.

Novice - Bitch

Very pretty blue with a feminine head, nice neck, ribs and loin. Probably one of the best fronts of the day. Level topline flowing to a very good, well proportioned tail. Genuinely pushed (1) hard. Nice to see a younger exhibitor competing against at the adults on a level, well done.

Open - Bitch

Rather surprised to discover this lady’s age, not that one should ask a lady?s age, and the fact that she has not been made up yet. Very nice, very hard close double coat. Super head and expression. Strong feminine lines and ground covering movement. Very much what I would like in a Border Terrier bitch. Delighted to award her the Bitch CC.